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Surmontil Capsules

Surmontil (Trimipramine) Capsules can be used to treat depression. They are especially useful for treating depression in people who also have problems sleeping, stress (anxiety) or feel irritable and restless (agitation).

Why have I been prescribed Surmontil?

They are especially useful for treating depression in people who also have problems sleeping, stress (anxiety) or feel irritable and restless (agitation).

How does it work?

Surmontil works by correcting the chemical imbalance found in the brain in depression.

When and how do I take it?

Take this medicine by mouth. Swallow whole with a drink of water.

If you have been told to take Surmontil only once each day then you should take it before going to bed.

It may take 7 to 10 days before you feel the full benefit of the medicine.

What’s the dose?

Depression

Adults usually start by taking 1 to 2 capsules (50mg to 100mg) each day

Your doctor may then increase the dose to 150mg or 300mg each day depending on your condition

Once you start to feel better, the usual daily dose then stays the same at 75mg to 150mg each day

Elderly:

Elderly usually start by taking 10mg to 25mg three times each day

Your doctor will then increase this slowly

Once you start to feel better, the usual daily dose then stays the same at 35mg to 75mg each day

Could it interact with other tablets?

Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines. This includes medicines you buy without a prescription, including herbal medicines. This is because Surmontil Capsules can affect the way some other medicines work. Also some medicines can affect the way Surmontil Capsules work.

Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

MAOI (MonoAmine Oxidase Inhibitors) medicine such as tranylcypromine, phenelzine and isocarboxazid (for depression) or selegiline (for Parkinson’s disease), or have taken them in the last 2 weeks.

Adrenaline, noradrenaline, ephedrine or isoprenaline – used in an emergency

Phenylephrine or phenylpropanolamine – found in cold and flu preparations

What are the possible risks or side-effects?

Like all medicines, Surmontil Capsules can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Stop taking Surmontil Capsules and see a doctor or go to a hospital straight away if:

You get swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, face, lips or throat which may cause difficulty swallowing or breathing, itching of the skin and nettle rash. This may mean you are having an allergic reaction to Surmontil Capsules.

Talk to your doctor straight away if you notice the following side-effects:

Painful erection of the penis, unrelated to sexual activity, that will not go away (priapism)

Yellowing of the eyes or skin. This could be a liver problem (such as jaundice).

Overactive behaviour or thoughts (mania or hypomania).

Numbness or weakness in the arms and legs (peripheral neuropathy).

Feeling that someone is ‘out to get you’.

Getting infections more easily than usual. This could be because of a blood disorder (agranulocytosis).

Unusual skin sensations such as numbness, tingling, pricking, burning or creeping on the skin (paraesthesia).

Can I drink alcohol while taking it?

You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking Surmontil Capsules.

What if I’m pregnant/breastfeeding?

Talk to your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant, might become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant.

Do not breast-feed if you are taking Surmontil Capsules.

If you have any more questions please ask your Pharmacist.

Remember to keep all medicines out of reach of children
Please Note: We have made every effort to ensure that the content of this information sheet is correct at time of publish, but remember that information about drugs may change. This sheet does not list all the uses and side-effects associated with this drug. For full details please see the drug information leaflet which comes with your medicine. Your doctor will assess your medical circumstances and draw your attention to any information or side-effects which may be relevant in your particular case.